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SHELL and Geely Automobiles have signed a partnership sealing the two firms’ collaboration in developing future technologies.

The motor oil firm has worked with Chinese car company for 11 years, developing lubricants to work with its vehicles. The official partnership solidifies their ability to work closely together for many years to come as the industry is faced with more stringent emission regulations and changes to technology.

The day of the agreement also marked the end of ‘Challenge 100 Degrees – Geely Goes Global’, powererd by Shell. This saw a fleet of Geely Boyue SUVs, using Shell Helix Ultra oil, drive from Xi, China, to Goodwood, UK, stopping at key locations across Europe for the two companies.

Huibert Vigeveno, executive vice president of Global Commercial at Royal Dutch Shell, said: ‘Today is a special day. It’s the end of a journey but it also marks the partnership of two great brands. Today we celebrate what brings these brands together.

‘This trip marks the culmination of an 11-year partnership between Shell and Geely. Since 2006, our partnership has grown to become increasingly significant. It’s a mutually-beneficial international relationship.’

An Conghui, president and CEO of Geely Auto Group, added: ‘I’m very proud to be at this location, with such a great motorsport heritage, and to celebrate the end of a great journey.

‘This is a great opportunity. Geely is the automobile leader in China, but we want to be the world leader.’

While Geely is a relatively unknown name in UK households, with no cars with its badge on currently on sale in Europe, it’s still a big player globally. Most recently, in January 2018, the company bought a majority stake in Hethel-based Lotus cars.

The brand also owns Volvo cars and has been a major driver in the new platforms for the Swedish manufacturer, with many technologies from Geely feeding into the latest product line-up.

A car that’s owned by less but used by many in the UK is the black cab, and Geely also own LEVC – the London Electric Vehicle Company.

When it comes to new technologies, Geely is at the forefront of future mobility with its brand Lynk&Co also. The car brand focuses on changes to mobility and car sharing.

All of these brands and technologies, also including Proton, all-electric performance brand Polestar, and Geely’s own vehicles sold in Asia, mean there is a huge amount of research and development taking place. For Shell, this opens up a wide range of possibilities.

At the partnership event, representatives from Shell explained that this agreement allows both brands to develop to keep up with even more stringent emissions regulations. Already the companies has been co-developing transmission fluids specifically for hybrid and electric transmissions as part of Geely’s strategy for green energy, as well as other bespoke lubricants that reduce CO2 emissions for both Geely and Volvo cars.